A horse is classed as a veteran horse once he’s over 15 years old – but that doesn’t automatically mean he’s ready for his pipe and slippers, metaphorically speaking! Many go on to enjoy active and healthy lives well into their 20s. Veteran showing classes are hugely popular, and it’s hard to imagine some of the beautiful, impeccably turned-out entrants are even in double figures yet!
Like humans, horses are living longer than ever, which may be attributed to improved diet, better medicine, and a deeper understanding of equine science. But ageing is unavoidable, and the signs include stiffness, reduced muscle definition, a thicker coat, grey hairs, and dental problems. Cushings’ disease, a condition that causes horses to suffer repeat laminitis, and is characterised by a thick, curly coat, is also common among older horses.
As your horse gets older, you may need to think about lightening his workload, or managing his diet differently. Older horses are prone to losing weight because the digestive system becomes less efficient; there are veteran mixes and cubes designed to meet these needs on the market. He will also benefit from a high fibre diet, and the adage ‘little and often’ when it comes to feeding remains true.
Six monthly dental checks are also important, as a horse’s teeth stop growing at around 20 years old, and gaps can begin to appear. Older horses may also lose the ability to grind their food, and will need to be fed a hay replacer, such as soaked cubes. However, with good management, your veteran horse should be with you for many more happy years.
Sadly, the owner of every veteran horse needs to prepare themselves for the day when they will inevitably have to say their final farewell. Knowing when to bring an old horse’s life to an end isn’t always easy, but equine euthanasia is something that all owners should think about in advance. Having a plan in place will help make this emotional and difficult decision that bit easier, whether it is an emergency or not.
Spillers' equine nutritionist Clare Barfoot provides one H&H forum user with some helpful advice on how to feed a veteran horse with Cushing's disease for better condition and while trying to avoid the onset of laminitis
When they're hunting, jumping and impressing in the dressage and showing arenas, it's hard to believe the age of some of these golden oldies...
Do you own a veteran horse? A much-loved old stager of the equine world? Read on for nine problems which you’re likely to be all too familiar with...
Horse & Hound's point-to-point columnist discusses the value of allowing veteran horses to race
H&H catches up with the two champions of the senior showing championship at Olympia
You can follow the action from the senior showing grand finals at Olympia with our free H&H Live service
The multiple Olympic medal-winning event horse is 27 years old
There is a growing population of veteran horses in the UK, so Saracen Horse Feeds offers some helpful advice on how to keep your veteran healthy this winter
The Veterans' Chase Series will culminate in a final offering £100,000 in prze money
The new British Dressage championship has been set up especially for the older competitor — both horses and riders
21-year-old Lenamore — who won Burghley at 17— has now started hunting
Laddy was popular with staff and visitors alike
The perfect opportunity to put your vet in the spotlight
Do supplements help equine OAPs or is movement a better medicine? Peter Green MRCVS finds out
Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS looks at the veterinary reasons that might prompt you to consider retiring your horse
H&H asks the winner of the veteran ridden supreme at Olympia how to keep an older horse happy and well
Horses at the Veteran Horse Society are to benefit from Aloeride, a natural aloe vera supplement
Find out what the welfare risks are to horses over the age of 15
Lameness is the most common reason for older horses to be put down, according to new research funded by The Horse Trust
Former WEG endurance horse wins veteran in-hand title at Olympia, aged 30
